Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo-Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
FOR music fans who grew up in the early 2000s, the name Dino Mudondo still carries weight.
Back then, he was the man of the moment, a reggae force whose hits dominated airwaves, backyard parties and music festivals.
Tracks like “Jatiropha”, “Chirangano Chedu”, “Maidei”, and “Makoikoi” weren’t just songs — they were sound-tracks of a generation, a pulse of Zimbabwe’s youthful energy and hope.
And now, nearly two decades later, Mudondo is making a highly anticipated return to the spotlight at the 24th National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA24).
The big question on everyone’s lips is simple: can he bring back that spark that made him a household name?
In an interview with Zimpapers Entertainment Hub, Mudondo said he is more than ready to reunite with fans and is not intimidated by new music.
“Yeah, this is a return for me because I have not been around in Zimbabwe for a very long time. I was in South Africa all along,” Mudondo said.
He said he is still in the game and dismissed speculation that his music is no longer relevant.
“I haven’t been around, but now that I’m back, I’m still doing music and a little bit of another side hustle. We are running a farm and doing some projects, but for music, we are still back on the road.”
I have been engaging in local shows all over Zimbabwe. Just last week, I was playing in Kadoma and other towns, and I was lined up to play at the Jacaranda Music Festival.”
“I have also been part of the reggae branch and the reggae movement at the Sherwood. We’re going to be having shows next month, and I have quite a number of bookings in clubs and weddings too,” he explained.
Mudondo says performing at NAMA is not just a comeback — it’s a statement of relevance.
“I am quite humbled to be recognised and to perform at the awards this year. It’s quite a big platform for me to showcase my ability and still show people that we’re around and doing good performances,” he said.
Fans are already buzzing with excitement, wondering whether Mudondo will reignite the same magic from his early 2000s heyday. “People should expect a good deliverance from me. I’ve been rehearsing, and the songs they chose for me include some of the biggest hits I have ever done,” he said.
“Expect me to play my yesteryear hits. This is going to be a brilliant time to make a comeback and show the nation that I’m still very much alive and kicking. I am quite excited to be back in the mainstream.”
Beyond music, Mudondo has been keeping busy at his farm in Beatrice and other projects, including tobacco and creative work like poetry.
“That’s basically been keeping me busy, but music is still very much alive,” he said.
Adding to the buzz, Mudondo is preparing a comeback album titled “Wonderful,” which he describes as a return to roots while incorporating modern reggae sounds.
“It is a 14-track album. I have been in touch with the production team, and we are finalising everything. I am going back to my roots with reggae and adding a bit of modern sound. This album should be expected around August, and there are more projects in the pipeline for this year,” he said.
For young artistes, Mudondo sees his comeback as more than a performance, it’s a teaching moment.
“I want to share my tips and skills with the new generation. Music is a journey, and it’s important to stay patient, know your roots, and carry your message with pride. Music is not just sound — it’s reflection, community, and identity,” he explained.
Mudondo reflected on how music has evolved and how today’s generation compares to the artistes of his youth.
“There is always a different vibe for each generation,” he said.
“My younger self wanted to watch and learn from the forefathers, the icons we grew up listening to, people like Uncle Thomas Mapfumo and others who shaped our music. I think it was proper for us to grow up in a generation where we could always look up to our legends.”
“That is what I feel is missing today. Some youth are turning to drugs, losing focus, but the new school is also growing. I appreciate that the name of music in Zimbabwe can still be maintained and can still grow.”
Advising the young artistes, he said, “stay focused, keep doing music the right way, avoid abusive language, and say no to drugs.”
“Like the saying goes, good music never dies. Wherever we perform, we still play these songs, and that proves the power of quality music — music that stays with you. The lyrics, the melody, the vibe — they never fade.”
Fans are already speculating about what surprises might come during his NAMA 24 performance.
Could there be special collaborations?
A playful skit?
Perhaps even a hint of his upcoming album?
Social media is alive with anticipation, as listeners prepare to relive the legendary Mudondo energy and see if the reggae icon can once again dominate the stage.
“I’m excited to be back.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa